In a landmark moment for African music history, the Recording Academy has officially inducted **Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s 1976 album Zombie** into the 2025 GRAMMY Hall of Fame. This makes Fela the first Nigerian artist to receive this prestigious recognition, honoring recordings of “qualitative or historical significance” that are at least 25 years old.

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A Revolutionary Sound Recognized

Released during a period of intense military dictatorship in Nigeria, Zombie was Fela’s unapologetic critique of authoritarian rule. The title track compared Nigerian soldiers to mindless zombies blindly following orders. The boldness of the song incited a violent response from the military regime, resulting in the brutal 1977 raid on Fela’s Kalakuta Republic and the death of his mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti—a nationalist icon in her own right.

Despite the tragic consequences, Zombie solidified Fela’s place as a fearless truth-teller and the founding father of Afrobeat, a genre that blends traditional Yoruba rhythms with jazz, funk, and highlife to deliver socially conscious messages.

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A Family and National Milestone

Accepting the award on behalf of the Kuti family, Fela’s eldest son, Femi Kuti, expressed gratitude and pride. In a heartfelt statement posted to social media, he wrote:

“Our father’s legacy lives on. We are honoured to accept this Grammy Hall of Fame award on behalf of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. His music continues to inspire and unite people across the world.”

The announcement was met with celebration across Nigeria and the global African diaspora. Many fans and cultural commentators described the moment as a long-overdue recognition of a man whose work transcended entertainment and became a soundtrack for resistance and freedom.

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Among Musical Giants

Fela’s Zombie joins other newly inducted classics in the 2025 GRAMMY Hall of Fame class, including Jay-Z’s Reasonable Doubt, Santana’s Supernatural, and Cat Stevens’ Tea for the Tillerman. This year's selections reflect a commitment to honoring musical works that have shaped the social, cultural, and political landscapes of their times.

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More Than Music

Fela's induction is not just a win for Nigeria or Africa—it is a global acknowledgment of the power of art to challenge oppression. His influence is evident in the music of contemporary artists like Burna Boy, Erykah Badu, The Roots, Wizkid, and Beyoncé, all of whom have drawn inspiration from his music, message, and legacy.

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A Legacy Cemented

With this GRAMMY Hall of Fame induction, Zombie is forever etched into the canon of world-shaping music. It honors Fela’s unrelenting voice against injustice, his pioneering sound, and his unmatched courage in the face of tyranny.

As Fela famously said, “Music is the weapon of the future.” In 2025, the world agrees—and has finally given him his rightful place in history.

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